Memorial in Suffolk to remember babies lost in early pregnancy
People experiencing this grief are being encouraged to join a the wave of light event at the West Suffolk Cemetery & Crematorium
West Suffolk Cemetery & Crematorium are inviting people who has experienced baby loss to take part in a their ‘wave of light’ event tonight (15/10)
The event in partnership with West Suffolk Sands is for parents, siblings, families and friends who have experienced the loss of a baby, during pregnancy, birth or soon after.
West Suffolk Sands, is part of the national Sands charity and offers support to bereaved parents across the area.
What's happening throughout the evening:
5.30pm - In the crematorium’s Meadow Café, visitors will be able to decorate a bag for a tealight candle, a commemorative pebble, or a balloon.
6.30pm - There will be a gathering at the crematorium’s Abbey Chapel, where parents will have the chance to read poems in memory of their babies.
7pm - There will be a ‘wave of light’, involving everyone walking into the gardens, holding their candles in the decorative bags, to then place them in a designated memorial area.
Manager Claire Butcher from West Suffolk Cemetery & Crematorium said:
“The loss of a loved one is always a difficult and emotional time but losing a baby or infant can be especially difficult to come to terms with.
“That’s why charities like Sands, and local groups like West Suffolk Sands, are absolutely essential and it’s an honour for us to be able to work with them and host this special memorial event.
“West Suffolk Sands host friendly and relaxed support meetings for bereaved parents, family and friends and aims to provide emotional support and information for as long as it is needed.
“Not only will our event be a special way of remembering their loved ones, but it will also enable people to make contact with West Suffolk Sands, if they are not aware of them already, and other families who have shared similar experiences.
“The event is free to attend, and no booking in advance is required. Families do not have to have held a funeral at our crematorium or have a memorial here in order to attend.
“The event is open to anyone who may be able to take some comfort from it and who wishes to commemorate a lost baby or infant in a special way.”
The event will also mark the end of national Baby Loss Awareness Week, which runs between 9 and 15 October. You can find out more about Sands here.
You can also find a link to the webcast here.